Ladder Safety

On average each year across the UK 13 people die at work falling from ladders. A further 1,200 people suffer major injuries caused by ladders.

We are therefore working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to ensure that the best possible ladder safety exists across the workplace in Islington.

Safer Ladders Campaign

We know that many ladders being used in the workplace are not up to scratch.

During June and July 2007 health and safety officers will be out and about looking at ladder usage within businesses across the borough. If we find a sub-standard ladder we will take action to make sure it is not used in the workplace.

Our key message is simple:
If it’s right to use a ladder, use the right ladder and use it safely.

Employer Guidance

As an employer you should:

• decide if using a ladder is the safest way of doing the job
• look for any defects (damaged rungs, stiles, missing rubber feet, loose fixings)
• check your ladders regularly and keep a record
• give staff guidelines on how to use ladders safely and make sure they are followed
• check floor surfaces are level firm and clean
• get rid of damaged ladders

You can download a guide to ladder and stepladder safety as well as a pocket-card that provides useful information on ladder safety for users to keep with them. This information (available in other languages) can be downloaded by following the Working at Heights Regulations external web link from the right hand side of this page.

You can also download a Ladder Maintenance Log template and a Self-Audit Checklist from the bottom of this page to help you better manage ladder safety within your business.

Contact

Commercial Environmental Health Service
Public Protection Division
Islington Council
159 Upper Street
London N1 1RE

Tel: 020 7527 3816
Fax: 020 7527 3057
Email: commercial.envh@islington.gov.uk